Every day, Kawempe handles an overwhelming influx of expectant mothers. Of roughly 60 daily deliveries, nearly half—about 30—are performed through caesarean sections.
At Kawempe National Referral Hospital, the cries of newborns echo through crowded corridors—each one a fragile victory in a system stretched to its limits.
Just three years ago, the hospital faced a grim reality: more than 200 mothers were dying annually during childbirth. Today, that number has dropped dramatically to about 60 deaths out of nearly 20,000 deliveries, marking a significant improvement in maternal health outcomes.
The transformation was revealed by Dr Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital’s Executive Director, during his appearance before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.
Behind the statistics lies a story of relentless effort—health workers pushing beyond exhaustion, systems adapting under pressure, and a facility striving to do more with less.
Yet, even as the hospital celebrates progress, new challenges loom.
Every day, Kawempe handles an overwhelming influx of expectant mothers. Of roughly 60 daily deliveries, nearly half—about 30—are performed through caesarean sections. This figure far exceeds the 15 percent rate recommended by the World Health Organisation, raising concerns about both medical necessity and systemic strain.
Lawmakers on the committee voiced alarm over what these numbers reveal: a hospital operating at the edge of its capacity. The high volume of surgical births points not only to complicated pregnancies but also to limited resources, delayed referrals, and overstretched staff.
Inside the wards, midwives juggle multiple patients at once. Neonatal units, designed for far fewer infants, are often filled beyond capacity. Equipment is shared, time is scarce, and the margin for error remains thin.
Still, the reduction in maternal deaths stands as a testament to what is possible—even under constraint.
For Kawempe, the journey is far from over. The gains are real, but fragile. Sustaining them will require more than dedication; it will demand investment, staffing, and systemic support.
Until then, each safe delivery remains both an achievement—and a reminder of the work still to be done.